⚖️ Comparison · Updated for 2026

State secondary school vs Private (independent) secondary

Side-by-side comparison, when-to-use-each guide, and instant conversion. Reviewed for 2026.

Quick answer: State schools: free, funded by government, include grammar schools (selective, free), academies, comprehensives. Private schools: £10,000-£45,000/year per child, small classes, additional facilities, possible networking. UK private school outcomes are better on average but much of this is explained by selection and socioeconomic background, not teaching quality.
Decision guide — when to use which
Use State secondary school when…

Most UK families — state schools including grammar schools provide excellent education free.

Use Private (independent) secondary when…

Specific needs (sport, music, boarding), grammar school equivalent without grammar school location, networks.

📊 Side-by-side comparison
Aspect State secondary school Private (independent) secondary
Cost Free (state) / Some religious £10k-£45k/year
Class size 25-30 average 8-15 average
GCSE results Strong in good state schools Better average, but context matters
VAT on fees Added from Jan 2025 (20%) Yes
Application process Catchment/faith/grammar entry Entrance exam + interview

Frequently asked

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Is private school worth the cost?

The evidence is that much of the private school advantage is explained by selection (more advantaged families), class size, and additional resources. For a child in a good state school, the marginal benefit over the lifetime may be smaller than the fees invested. Individual circumstances (school quality in your area, specific child needs) matter enormously.

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Did VAT on private school fees change things?

From January 2025, private school fees became subject to 20% VAT. Many schools passed on some or all of the VAT, while others absorbed part of it. The Independent Schools Council's 2026 census reported total pupil numbers in its member schools down 3.5% on 2025, with new admissions down 5.6%, the biggest fall since its records began in 2011.

Reviewed for 2026. This comparison is general guidance based on publicly available information. Prices, rates, rules and specifications change, so check current details with the provider or an official source before making a decision. Built by a UK-based qualified primary teacher and FA Level 2 coach as part of 247QuickTools' free utility-tools project. We don't sell SEO links or accept paid placements in this content.

Frequently asked questions

Is private school worth the cost?

The evidence is that much of the private school advantage is explained by selection (more advantaged families), class size, and additional resources. For a child in a good state school, the marginal benefit over the lifetime may be smaller than the fees invested. Individual circumstances (school quality in your area, specific child needs) matter enormously.

Did VAT on private school fees change things?

From January 2025, private school fees became subject to 20% VAT. Many schools passed on some or all of the VAT, while others absorbed part of it. The Independent Schools Council's 2026 census reported total pupil numbers in its member schools down 3.5% on 2025, with new admissions down 5.6%, the biggest fall since its records began in 2011.